I went to Mayo for a few reasons. One my cardiologist was not familiar with treating aberrant artery, also I had many other anatomical issues that my dr and surgeon here did not feel comfortable treating ( and I highly respect that both were honest enough with me to tell me that--instead of trying to treat me and risk my health). Mayo has an affiliation with our hospital- so it was the best place for me to start. I got an appt there quickly- within a month, and in the time before that--spoke to Dr. Dearni over the phone. I was scheduled for surgery a little over a month later. As for Mayo having the top physicians-- I feel they do. Dr. Pochettino had only a few minutes-due to being called away for an emergent surgery- but he pulled up my scan--in a matter of minutes told me confidently a plan- he told me he had only seen maybe five patients with similar anatomical issues such as me--but that the surgery to fix my problems was one he had done many, many times. And he said because of his experience with working mainly with the aorta- he wanted to do surgery now. Thats what makes Mayo better in my opinion--they see the most uncommon problems on a regular basis--because like me--many of the patients are referred to them from all over the world. Also their surgeons have a focus--Dr. Pochettino was a cardiosurgeon who focused on aorta-so that's who i was initially referred to. He does many of his ARSA surgeries with Dr.Bower. I imagine there must be some type of virtual appts. I was supposed to go there to meet with Dr.Bower for my year follow up for my ARSA surgery. I was able to get my scans here in Florida, mail them to Dr.Bower and the office called me and basically did the follow up over the phone. This is the most organized medical facility I have been to-- I am a nurse and my husband a physician-- both of us where amazed at how well Mayo operated. I don't know if I was able to help answer any of your questions....

Best Wishes,
Jeane